However this:"As some forums and tutorial sites have said, as a beginner or returning after a long lapse you WILL lay the bike down more than once"...is nonsence, Get yourself up to speed with whatever courses are available to you, or practice yourself some place uncluttered. There is no need to even think you are going to lay your bike down.

Remeber that old saying just like riding a bike? I agree, a little practice and re-education goes a long ways. Every DMV has a study guide to help out. And there are web sites that can help out. But you just have to do it. So do it. Will.

my thoughts are that my '08 classic is a 'niche' bike. not my first bike, not real fast, not real quick, not super responsive.....the niche: it sure makes those hurley riders that refuse to wave to me on the road do the 'rubberneck' thing. makes alot of others twist their neck, too. it is a fun bike when i'm ridin' and not wrenchin'.